More than 4000 people filled the Marrabel Rodeo Grounds on Saturday night for the annual event.

“There were a good 4000 people we reckon, definitely up on last year, the caterers did more than last year and everybody indicated that this year was well up on last year,” Marrabel Rodeo president Mick Williams said.

The Professional Bull Riders tour made its stamp on the circuit at Marrabel for the annual bull ride that attracted 40 riders from as far a field as Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and one rider came from New Zealand.

As part of the PBR Challenger Series, points from the bull ride count toward championship points at the end of the year.

The riders were tough and the bulls were mean giving the crowd something to watch and cheer about.

“It was a perfect night, the weather was great and the rides were great to watch,” he said.

For those people who couldn’t see and to show the rides in slow motion re-play, the big screen was again a great fixture.

Once again party band Barking Ants were popular and kept the crowd pumping all night.

Hot food was popular during the night, and rodeo-goers were able to have a look through clothing stalls and collect some Marrabel Bull Ride souvenirs.

“They (the side show people) were extremely happy with the patronage they got and they will probably come back next year and are keen to bring more. The crowd was well behaved and the police presence was great for the night,” Mick said.

Overall winner for the night was David Kennedy who took home $3700, second Jock Connolly won $1500 and third Jim Rostle who had two qualifying rides to take home $3500.

– Social photos, Page 13

– More action photos by Cassie Fisher, Page 37